It’s no secret that we’re living in age dominated by social media. The online world has expanded opportunities for people across the globe, which has made connection and information easier to spread than ever before. In fact, it’s estimated that they’re over 2.3 billion active social media users across the world, which is monumental!
With that, it’s also no secret that businesses, both virtually-based and brick-and-mortar, are starting to incorporate social media marketing into their business strategy, since it offers not only a new lucrative potential revenue stream, but also a chance reach potential clients they would have not come across, otherwise. No longer are expensive ad campaigns, conferences, or networking groups required to spread the word about your business and make new connections, since social media marketing not only allows you to reach a new clientele, but target your specific demographics much more effectively than traditional forms of advertising do.
If you’re in business of any kind, you need to be using social media marketing to some extent, or else I guarantee that you’re losing business. Here are the vitals you need to know to use social media marketing as an entrepreneur:
1. You’re Probably Losing Business If You’re Not On Social Media
Being at least present on social media, especially Twitter and Facebook, is pretty necessary in order to be effective these days. Social media not only gives a way for you to reach potential clients and vice versa, but gives you legitimacy in the eyes of your prospects. Your marketing on social media doesn’t necessarily have to be elaborate, but it does have to exist.
2. It’s About Engagement
The secret ingredient of social media marketing is engagement, which gives you not only the connection to other users, but makes them actually reach back to you, in some way. This mutual give and take means that you’re getting people to interact with you, the first and most significant step to getting more people in the door. Your engagement rate can tell you a lot about how well you and your content are doing on social media and how effective your marketing is.
3. Social Media is a Branding Tool
How you present yourself on social media speaks volumes about you and your company, from the tone of your copy to the quality of your graphics. Make sure your content and profiles are guided by some kind of strategy, to make others see your business in a certain light. For instance, I try to convey a young, fun, yet professional aura on my social media, by using whimsical colors and designs in my photos and graphics, but posting content that’s poised and well thought out.
4. It’s Supposed To Be SOCIAL
Remember to respond and engage with other users too- don’t just wait for people to come to you! In order to use social media effectively in your business, you need to be reaching out and engaging with others. it’s not called social media for nothing.
5. Social Media Marketing Comes In Many Forms
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box when it comes to your marketing strategy; do you have an inkling that you could make the next viral video? Get yourself on YouTube. Do you want to make funny memes to spread on Tumblr? Get cracking! You don’t have to follow the pack in order to succeed here, which is a mistake many in business make, but the ones who truly knock it out of the park are the ones who aren’t afraid to take risks.
6. Make Sure You’re On The Right Platforms
Finally, make sure that you are actually using the correct social media platforms that fit into your demographic. Do some research to see what platforms best target your demographic and don’t make any assumptions! For instance, many assume that SnapChat is the way to go to target teenagers, but is actually the most effective at converting those over the age of 25. Do your research before signing up and act accordingly.
If you’re trying new things, flexible, adaptable, and interactive, you should be able to succeed at doing business on social media, no matter what.